Good morning, Sioux City.

A benefit for fire chief Lucas Ploen is scheduled Saturday, Jan.

10 in Kingsley at the community center on 207 E 1st Street to raise funds for his new home after a November fire; the event will offer a pork loin meal at 5 p.m. plus auctions until 11 p.m.

Regional leaders discussed the economy at an outlook luncheon held Wednesday, Jan.

7 in Sioux City. Economists from Iowa, Nebraska, & South Dakota expressed concerns about agricultural income while noting high beef cattle prices may support a forecast rebound later this year.

ISU Extension and Outreach launches a free three-part virtual series called Money Smart: Prioritizing Bills, Credit and Debt starting Jan.

22 to help Iowans manage bills, credit, and debt (sessions run from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays, with registration due Jan. 13).

Yesterday, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds hosted U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon at Broadway Elementary in Denison, where they announced that Iowa will gain flexibility in spending its federal education money.

The initiative highlights the school’s bilingual programs – which support tailored learning – and a 7% rise in literacy scores.

UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s has advanced its NICU to a Level 3 care unit today, which will help treat more premature newborns and reduce long-distance transfers — showing its commitment to Siouxland families.

VC Jump & Slide Family Event

4-6 p.m. — VC Jump and Slide — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled time with the whole family at a premier jumping venue.

Comedy for a Cause

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Hilton Garden Inn Sioux City Riverfront — Ticket sales support a nonprofit — Enjoy an evening of laughter with Brent Reed while contributing to a great cause for Siouxland Foster Closet.

Artificial Stars - Indie Rock from Sioux City

8-11 p.m. — Vangarde Arts — $10 at the door — Experience the dark, introspective sounds of Artificial Stars and local artist Alex Erwin in a night of emotional indie rock.

Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest

2-3 p.m. — Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center — Free entry, donations encouraged — Celebrate student creativity and eloquence at the local Poetry Out Loud competition.